Methylmalonic Acid (MMA)
Here’s what it reflects — and what to do about it.
Longetic pulls together every lab and record you’ve had, follows how Methylmalonic Acid (MMA) changes over time, and explains what’s shifting — so you walk into your next appointment prepared, with reminders for retests along the way.
What is Methylmalonic Acid (MMA)?
A substance made during protein digestion that builds up when vitamin B12 is low, making it a sensitive early clue to B12 deficiency.
Methylmalonic acid is produced in small amounts as your body processes protein, and vitamin B12 is needed to break it down. When B12 is low, MMA is not cleared as well and rises, so a higher level can be associated with vitamin B12 deficiency, sometimes before a standard B12 test looks clearly low. In newborn screening, high levels can also point to a rare inherited condition called methylmalonic acidemia. Low MMA is not considered a health concern.
What to know about Methylmalonic Acid (MMA)
Understanding Methylmalonic Acid (MMA) means knowing what it reflects, what tends to move it, and the signs that suggest it’s worth a closer look — so you can bring the right questions to your next appointment.
This glossary entry is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Read our Medical Disclaimer.
References
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Official sources
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Peer-reviewed research
Original research articles and systematic reviews published in indexed journals and verified through PubMed or DOI.